Generally speaking, human beings often identify themselves according to their occupation. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, so many people hinge their lives on these titles, myself included. Since Aug. 15, 2007 when I became a reporter at the Tribune, I’ve been quick to say “I’m a journalist” without another thought.
And in the blink of an eye, that identification has seemingly ended.
Though discussion has been in the works for more than a week now, I officially accepted a job offer yesterday that moves me away from the news industry*. Soon I’ll fill a public relations/communications positions for a nearby town government, and in a short nine days, the only true profession I’ve known since graduating college will be no more.
It’s certainly a bittersweet decision. This new path is truly an opportunity I could not ignore. Not only will it pay more per hour — which I definitely needed — but it could forge an entirely different future than I ever could have imagined. Saying yes to their offer was, in my words and those of several others, a “no-brainer.” At the same time though, I’m not running away from a job I disdain. Rather, I’m leaving behind something that I love to do on a daily basis. Journalism is so much more than simply putting words together for publication, and that was something I only discovered by moving into this role. Moving away from it will undoubtedly be a bit heartbreaking.
Clearly 2010 is shaping up to be a year of change for yours truly. It started long before I accepted this new position or thrust myself back into the classroom**. I think the changes began earlier this year, in early March, when I departed my one-person household — plus my dog, of course — to move into a new home with my boyfriend. Soon after, I also ditched my old blog for a bright, shiny domain I could call my own. Take into consideration a few little things throughout the months — new furniture, new cell phone, new laptop, and more I’m likely forgetting — and this year has evidently meant flipping the life I knew one year ago on its back.
We can try forever to fit into a mold, squeeze our existences into the future we once planned, yet each day is entirely unpredictable, consistently changing our very next breath. I’ve said this here before, and I’m sure I’ll repeat it again, but my life has certainly strayed off the course I anticipated, and I am thrilled that it has. I can honestly say that this road I’m on has been one hell of a journey and I’m ready for the next step.
All chapters must end eventually, but this journalism one won’t quite yet. As far as I’m concerned, the reporter in me will never die and I’m lucky enough to have an editor who is providing me with an outlet (yay freelance!) to keep those words flowing onto the page. Maybe that identity, that singular term I’ve described myself with for three years, will be no more, but it won’t change who I am in any way. My immense love for news will surely continue and, for at least a while, the articles I wield will still find their way into the hands of others. It’s just time to remove the label and see if another one — or none at all? — fits well. I suppose this is all part of growing up…
* Go figure, just a few months after deciding on “Behind the Byline,” I’m no longer the girl with a regular byline… Just my luck, ha.
** If you’re new around these parts, I’ll fill you in… I started graduate school last week, on Aug. 23, after three years away from the collegiate environment (I graduated in May 2007 with my undergrad degrees).
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wait… you’re not leaving here though are you?
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Mindy Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 6:13 pm
@missyummyface, No, no, no… I definitely should’ve been more clear with this post’s title, huh? I’m still staying here.
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When I left teaching, it was bittersweet. The teacher in me is still alive, but now I can do something that provides more opportunity.
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When I left the newspaper I worked at, it was definitely bittersweet, too. And I find myself missing certain things about it — especially the deadlines and almost-instant gratification about my work being on display — but overall, I like my life outside of it way better.
And, like you, I feel the reporter in me will never die. And there are always ways to stay involved without devoting your entire life to a paper.
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Congrats on the job. Much luck to you, as you try to balance school and work…a balance I’m working on too!
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Congratulations on the new job and GOOD LUCK!! : )
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Super big congrats on the new job! I imagine it would be hard leaving a job you felt so much passion for, especially seeing you worked there for 3 years, but this is going to be such a big opportunity for you! I’m so excited for all the big changes you’re going through!!
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Congrats! There are so many paths to take these days. I’m interested to hear more.
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Congrats on the job, Mindy. This is a great opportunity, I can tell.:)
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Happy for you! You’re sort of behind the byline, kinda. Change is good. Seems like life is pushing you upstream….CONGRATS!
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